Philosophy is the application of ethical approaches to issues, controversies, theories, and ideas. It is in one’s nature to seek answers to questions which are asked. It is also in one’s nature to question and decide if an idea or ideal is right or wrong, but in the case of ethics; permissible or impermissible. In this text, we are going to use these terms as acceptable or permitted and vice-versa. In this essay, we will be analyzing the article, “A Defense of Abortion” by philosopher, Judith Jarvis Thompson. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to give an explanation on which normative theory works in favor with her article and view some actions from a consequentialist utilitarian perspective. Her thesis is: Abortion is sometimes, but not
…show more content…
The first will be the violinist and other person, and her text, the pronoun “you” is representing the mother, the violinist is the fetus, and unplugging is the act of abortion. Per the textbook, “Everyone has a right to life, so the unborn person has a right to life” (Page.178). The analogy involves a third party telling you that it if you don’t stay connected to the famous violinist’s kidneys, then he will die. They tell you, “yes, we kidnapped you, but your kidneys need to stay connected to the violinist for him to live.” It is up to you to stay connected and help the violinist survive, or you can say, “nope, unplug me.” Thompson makes clear that you are not facing danger, but the musician is. It also made clear that you can choose to stay plugged in, and that it is a supererogatory act in doing so. From a utilitarian perspective, the staying connected can be an appropriate act, because it is for the greater good, all the while keeping the violinist’s life in mind. The act would be described as: It is being done for the greater good, because if I do unplug myself then I am not a good person. I am giving life to a person thus I am a good person. Also, him being a famous violinist he will be able to provide comfort by using his music and his talent for other people. Likewise, would be described for the mother, fetus, and abortion. If the mother lets the fetus live in her body, then she is doing it for the greater good of the fetus. If the fetus is aborted, then it is committing an act of greater good for the mother. This metaphor is an example of when abortion is permissible. To continue, another permissible example would be the people seeds correspondence. In this analogy, the seed is conception (egg), the mesh screen is contraception or protection, and the open window is the act of having sex, regardless of knowing the consequences. The living place or in
The first will be the violinist and other person, and her text, the pronoun “you” is representing the mother, the violinist is the fetus, and unplugging is the act of abortion. Per the textbook, “Everyone has a right to life, so the unborn person has a right to life” (Page.178). The analogy involves a third party telling you that it if you don’t stay connected to the famous violinist’s kidneys, then he will die. They tell you, “yes, we kidnapped you, but your kidneys need to stay connected to the violinist for him to live.” It is up to you to stay connected and help the violinist survive, or you can say, “nope, unplug me.” Thompson makes clear that you are not facing danger, but the musician is. It also made clear that you can choose to stay plugged in, and that it is a supererogatory act in doing so. From a utilitarian perspective, the staying connected can be an appropriate act, because it is for the greater good, all the while keeping the violinist’s life in mind. The act would be described as: It is being done for the greater good, because if I do unplug myself then I am not a good person. I am giving life to a person thus I am a good person. Also, him being a famous violinist he will be able to provide comfort by using his music and his talent for other people. Likewise, would be described for the mother, fetus, and abortion. If the mother lets the fetus live in her body, then she is doing it for the greater good of the fetus. If the fetus is aborted, then it is committing an act of greater good for the mother. This metaphor is an example of when abortion is permissible. To continue, another permissible example would be the people seeds correspondence. In this analogy, the seed is conception (egg), the mesh screen is contraception or protection, and the open window is the act of having sex, regardless of knowing the consequences. The living place or in